Despite his heroic intentions, Skye could not help but feel his pursuit of Nikolai was ruled by the latter. Every action he took, every decision he made, was out of fear of a life without meaning. He had experienced exultant freedom and immunity, and the lifestyle was far too alluring to be relegated to mediocrity. Completing his mission tomorrow would be arduously challenging, but none more so than ending Nikolai's perpetual game.
Two tears fell down his face—one out of fear, one out of elation. Both dripped into the upturned corner of Skye's smiling mouth.
Forty-one
Nikolai sat in his armchair proudly, his eye sockets fixated on the three Tianzu warriors. They lazed leisurely in the corner, the same location they had been for the entire day. He stared at them, baffled, and Kai and Hana stared back with malice. They'd been staring at one another for the better half of the evening now, both trying to break the other.
But Nikolai would not be defeated. I'll stare at you all night if I have to, he thought, as a reminder that you aren't a true part of Black Dawn, and never will be.
From the day they joined Black dawn provisionally he had kept his distance and scrutinised their every movement. His main motive for recruiting them was to gather as much knowledge as he possibly could about the remainder of their large faction. These three had been very selective with the information they provided, but Nikolai had gathered enough to ascertain that the Tianzu indeed posed an enormous threat. He already knew they were a large and powerful group, but over the past three months he had become completely certain of what he already surmised—they would all need to be eliminated.
He continued watching them, pondering what they could be silently contemplating while they were huddled in their corner. Are they waiting for the order to attack? Or has the order already been given, and yet I am unable to sense their intent because they are somehow impervious to my ability? His mind asked itself these questions on a regular basis, but never more frequently than in the final hours leading up to the inauguration. Surely I'd be able to sense their intent. I could sense that vile Kai's intent yesterday when he made that idle threat against Archibald. Yet here they sit, so poised and disciplined.
The others in Black Dawn had blatantly and regularly divulged their sentiments toward the tediousness of sitting unproductively in the suite. But the Tianzu were able to sit and wait for extended periods of time, and with the utmost of autonomy. Their discipline led to Nikolai forming an infinite number of conjectures about their true intentions.
On second thought, I can't bear this for a moment longer, he thought, quickly changing his mind from only a moment ago. It terrified him to think that, at any second, they could unleash a relentless attack on Black Dawn, or worse, the president. Losing either entity would be a detrimental setback for Nikolai. The three Tianzu were extraordinarily formidable, and capable of unleashing chaos without warning.
Kai and Hana continued staring at Nikolai, the pair furious over what took place earlier in the evening.
Nikolai shifted his position in an attempt to make himself more comfortable in the chair.
Archibald has retired in his quarters for the evening. I don't imagine that they would be faster than I, but it's a risk I cannot take.
He stared at them still, gritting his teeth with paranoid anticipation.
The inauguration is mere hours away. If they are indeed to attack, it could be at any second.
The supposition of their imminent betrayal compounded in his mind.
What about Daye? He has the ability to project his mind elsewhere.
He looked at the Kaipuran man and watched as he lay with his eyes half closed.
Is he even present here? Or is he off liaising with Raien? Or ... what if he's in Archibald's room at this very second, killing the old fool in his slumber?
Daye's body remained still, barely moving as he breathed in and out.
But the Tianzu would never kill an innocent civilian, surely.
He turned his attention to Kai and Hana, whose gaze remained fixed on Nikolai.
Or maybe they would. Maybe they know that killing Archibald in order to stop me from running this country is a necessary death. Perhaps they've just been waiting for the approval from above. That's why they've taken no action during these past three months.
Nikolai turned his head and looked at Tahlia, who was half asleep on the disgusting chaise that Night had ruined.
Of course they're willing to kill. This is an all-powerful clan. They surely didn't find themselves in this position of power without dominating their enemies.
He continued glancing around the room, looking at Sabina and Aurelius, who guarded the door to the bedroom where Archie slept.
Which means they're willing to kill Archibald, just to spite me. It's merely a matter of when ...
He turned back to Kai and Hana, and their looks of fury.
It could be any second now.
The silent standoff continued.
Any second now.
Nikolai had reached the epitome of his angst.
“Enough!” he roared, rising from his chair and standing over the trio, ending the hours of staring. They looked up at him with disinterested eyes. “What harm do you wish to befall the president? Tell me of your treachery!”
Tahlia jumped up and stood behind Nikolai, confused. “What is it?” she asked her leader, perplexed by his sudden outburst. Sabina and Aurelius stood rigid, preparing themselves for the possible order to attack.
“These three pose a very serious threat,” Nikolai said, turning to face Tahlia. “They're contemplating something.”
“We're contemplating nothing,” Kai defended.
“Oh, forgive me if I have my doubts. You've been staring at me for hours with those hateful eyes.”
“Because we've sworn to protect the innocent,” Lotus added, “and you murdered an entire group of them, right in front of us.”
Nikolai placed his hands on his hips. “And rightfully so. They were a threat. As are you three.” He pointed a finger at each of them.
“Nikolai,” Daye reasoned, standing up, “we're not contemplating anything insidious, if that's what you're accusing us of. We're simply awaiting instructions.”
“From whom?” he barked back. “From myself, or your other leader?”
Kai and Hana rose and stood behind their comrade.
“Nikolai, I think that perhaps the burden of tomorrow morning is weighing heavily on your mind,” Daye stated with a peaceful smile.
“Well, that is glaringly evident,” Nikolai admitted angrily. “But it doesn't conceal the truth that you have ulterior motives of sorts. Perhaps you'd like to divulge your true nature to us?”
Daye's smirk spread further across his face. “Nikolai, I've already informed you that there's nothing ominous transpiring. I would also advise you that to hypothesise such theories might place a strain on your relationship with the Tianzu.”
Nikolai stared into the eyes of the short peacekeeper. The room fell completely silent. Tahlia took a deep breath and prepared herself; her chief would most certainly give the order to attack.
Nikolai took a step backwards and permitted himself a smile. “Our relationship, Daye,” he whispered, “is obsolete. I thank you somewhat for your services, although, admittedly, the three of you have proven to be rather useless.”
“Nikolai,” Kai warned, speaking loudly, “choose your words carefully.”
“Very well,” he complied with a sly grin. “Kill them.”
The order took everyone by surprise. Sabina reached for her dagger.
“Stop!” Daye called out before Black Dawn could ready their weapons. His relaxed smile vanished. “There's no need for bloodshed. If you wish to terminate our agreement, we will leave peacefully.”
“Oh, will you now?” Nikolai asked sarcastically. “And would I be correct in assuming that if I let you leave you'll be on the first train back to the mainland to inform the rest of the Tianzu? I think not.”
“W
e can end this peacefully,” Daye urged. “No one here need die. You know as well as I that the three of us are far more powerful than them.” He motioned his head to Tahlia, Sabina, and Aurelius. Daye was not one to make such threats, and certainly not one to engage in combat. But if it meant everyone living on, he'd be more than willing to deliver a warning whenever necessary.
Nikolai glared back at the defiant warrior. He knew the man spoke the truth but, stubbornly, would not admit it aloud. Much planning had gone into Archibald's imminent inauguration, and having the subordinates of Black Dawn slaughtered beforehand would greatly hinder its success; Nikolai couldn't risk being the sole survivor, and therefore the president's only line of defence against Ren and Skye. “Very well. You may take your leave.” He strode across the room and opened the door. “Everyone, follow me.”
Slowly, the other six in the room made their way to the door, silently filing out with no urgency. Nikolai wanted to ensure that the traitors would truly depart with amity. The president was safe for the moment, but no risks could be taken.
They walked out into the corridor, the carpet still damp and saturated in blood from the earlier massacre.
Silently, they marched onwards, down the small flight of stairs and into the main atrium at the centre of the building. The possessed members of the Guard flanked the large room. Nikolai stopped at the top of the mezzanine, allowing the Tianzu to descend the main staircase to the entrance alone. They continued without a sound until they arrived at the front door.
“What a horrid three months that was,” Nikolai spat, purposely exclaiming it loud enough for everyone to hear. He was more than delighted to see them leave at long last. They had outlived their purpose, and he no longer had any need for them.
Daye turned and took a last glimpse at Black Dawn, who stood proud and dominant high up on the second floor. He looked at them with a pained glance. Daye had done everything he could to maintain a state of peace between the two parties. He was not naïve to hope their accord wouldn't inevitably fissure, but it caused him a great deal of concern nonetheless. A skirmish between the two was now seemingly unavoidable.
Kai tilted his head up and stared at Nikolai with malice. “I hope you realise that you've just declared war on the Tianzu,” he called back a final time, his eyes intensely locked on to his enemy's menacing eye sockets.
Nikolai stood boldly, unabated by the threat. “The war started long ago,” he pronounced fearlessly.
Forty-two
The Second Day
Juliet sat on the outer balcony of the warehouse, her usual sitting spot. She stared north-east toward the convention centre. She was unable to see it from this distance, but her eyes watched on absent-mindedly, hoping that this wouldn't be the last day of her young life. It was early, long before sunrise, and the group had just awoken to prepare themselves for the perilous day ahead.
“Are you alright?” Romeo asked, trying to sound polite, but desperately in need of reassurance himself. He stepped onto the steel grate and sat beside her.
“Why are we here?” she asked.
He said nothing, not quite certain how to respond to her question.
“I can't stop thinking about Daye's words,” she continued. “He told me it wasn't too late for us.”
“Are you sure you should believe him?”
Juliet rested her head against the cool metal wall behind her. “I don't know.”
The two sat and stared at the black city ahead, enjoying the soft summer breeze as it hit them.
“Do you ever contact your family?” Romeo asked, changing the topic, but also curious to know the answer.
“Sometimes. They think I'm living on campus at ANU,” she smirked.
Romeo laughed softly at the odd lie. “So, I'm assuming they don't know about White Shadow?”
“Of course not!” she exclaimed, wide-eyed. “How could I possibly explain it to them?”
Romeo agreed that it would be a very difficult dialogue. “I haven't spoken to my family for a few days, but it feels like it's been weeks.”
“I know how you feel. I've been trying to arrange some time to visit my parents, but Ren won't allow it. She says that Skye would need to accompany me for safety, but he's always busy training.”
“Or having coffee with Nikolai,” Romeo added comically. “I don't understand how their relationship works. Are they enemies or friends?”
She turned and looked at him with an innocent grin. “Both, I think. Nikolai loves Skye like a brother, but Skye doesn't feel the same way.”
Romeo rocked back and forth in his position, trying to think of more questions to pass the time. It seemed to be preferable to sitting and dwelling on what could occur later that morning.
Juliet turned and looked into his eyes. “I sensed someone back in the forest,” she said, breaking the silence.
Romeo nodded. “I remember. Was it the president?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I can only sense other shengxian. This presence was ... different.”
Romeo stopped rocking, both intrigued and afraid to hear what she had to say. “Who was it?”
“I don't know. I've never felt it before. It was mysterious ... dark.”
Fear crept down Romeo's spine. “Please don't tell me there are others out there who want to kill us,” he winced.
“I can't sense them anymore. Even in the forest they felt distant, but still close. It's hard to explain.”
“Great,” he muttered. “Well, let's just hope that they're on our side, whoever they are.”
The pair fell silent again. Romeo stared at the empty city, reflecting on his words. He amazed himself by referring to White Shadow as his 'side'. The only thing he liked about the group was that they weren't actively trying to kill him. Although, that wasn't to suggest he wouldn't die as a consequence of them sending him off to battle against his will.
“How's everyone feeling?” he asked, changing the subject, and remembering that Juliet could also detect nearby emotions.
“At the moment everyone feels afraid and confused. Sometimes there's a bit of excitement too.”
Romeo frowned with annoyance. “Who could possibly feel excited at a time like this? Sierra?”
“No. I think it's the one person who knows he can't be killed today.”
Romeo raised an eyebrow. “Skye? I doubt it.”
“It's true,” she reluctantly admitted. “I've felt it a few times. But it's only a slight feeling. He mostly feels afraid.”
Romeo looked down, still confused by her theory.
“I really admire Skye,” she continued, her voice lowering to a whisper, “but I don't know if I can trust him. Or Ren. Or any of them. My life has never been in more danger than during the last two days.”
“Well then who can we trust? Nikolai?” he asked sarcastically.
She turned and faced him again, apprehensive to speak her mind. “I know it sounds strange, but I feel like I can trust Daye. There's an energy about him that feels peaceful, safe.”
Her thoughts only confused Romeo all the more. He was sternly informed that the Tianzu were the enemy, and now Juliet's opinion was plaguing him even further.
“But Skye and Ren warned us about him.”
Juliet nodded. “I know,” she said. “I really don't know who I can trust. But when he was with me, I felt ... calm. Even though he was just a mental projection, I felt safe with him. He seems to be the only one who isn't trying to kill someone.”
Romeo sat and thought about the words. He felt a connection with Juliet, as she was young and new to the group, much like himself, and also a fellow Athenian. But with so many conflicting views and theories, he had no idea who was right and who was wrong.
“Maybe you're right,” he said. “I wouldn't exactly say that Skye and Ren have gone out of their way to protect me. They saved me back on the promenade in Shangwu, but they seem more focussed on killing Archie.”
“Yep. I consider both of them to be my friends, but I don't know ho
w safe I am here at White Shadow. Ren keeps insisting I go out with them because they know I'm the only tracker in the group. She doesn't seem too concerned about my safety. I can't help but wonder ...”
Romeo waited for her to continue. “What? What do you wonder?”
She clenched her jaw, regretting what she was about to say. “I wonder if White Shadow is actually the enemy.” She watched Romeo's face, waiting for him to disagree and tell her she was wrong.
But he had no such reaction. “In a way, this group is the enemy,” he agreed. “No legal system in the world would authorise a rogue gang to assassinate the president. If Archie truly is corrupt, he needs to be tried in a fair and legal manner.”
Juliet exhaled with relief. “I'm glad you feel the same way. I thought I was the only one who felt that way.”
“You should say something to them,” he said. “If you're against killing Archie, tell Skye or Ren. When we first met, you seemed eager to kill him.”
“No,” she said quickly. “Not at all. I've never once been in support of it. I guess I just let them convince me that it was the right thing to do. But the truth is, I don't want to kill anyone.”
“Me either,” he said, happy to be able to relate to someone for the first time in a few days. “Although, in a weird way, I can almost understand what Nikolai's trying to achieve.”
Juliet's eyes widened. “Careful. Don't justify what Black Dawn are doing.”
“I don't,” he said, holding his hands up. “I don't justify it. What Nikolai does is wrong. But I like that he's trying to fix Athenia. I love this country, and I want to see it become peaceful again. I don't know if Skye and Ren have the same intentions that he does.”
“I suppose,” she admitted, although sceptical. “Just don't convince yourself that Black Dawn aren't the enemy. We don't have anything in common with them.” She watched the dark leaves of the trees in the woods below blow gently in the wind. “But then again, we don't have anything in common with any group. We didn't join this faction because we believe in their cause—we're only here because we were both saved from Nikolai.”
Eternity's War (Books 1-3) (Eternity's War Boxsets) Page 36
